Cone Health Begins Communitywide CPR Effort

Most people who suffer sudden cardiac arrest in North Carolina don’t make it to the hospital alive. Cone Health Heart and Vascular Center seeks to improve the odds of surviving a sudden cardiac arrest by teaching CPR to as many people as possible.

Research shows that just doing chest compressions is almost as effective as the traditional compressions and breathing method. People are also more likely to come to someone’s aid when they don’t have to perform breaths in CPR. “EMS does a fantastic job of beginning treatment in the field and we have an array of technology to care for you once you make it to the hospital,” says Heart and Vascular Services, Imaging Services, Vice President Rich Lundy. “It’s that two to three minutes before EMS arrives that can make the difference between life and death. And that’s where the community can help.”

Cone Health Heart and Vascular Center has joined the RACE CARS and HeartRescue initiatives to encourage people to call 911 and start resuscitation efforts as quickly as possible. RACE CARS stands for Regional Approach to Cardiovascular Emergencies Cardiac Arrest Resuscitation System. The HeartRescue Project is a nationwide effort to increase cardiac arrest survival sponsored by Medtronic Foundation. The Heart and Vascular Center recently received a $5,000 grant from RACE CARS and HeartRescue Project to purchase CPR kits. The kits will be given to people who learn hands-only CPR at churches, ballgames and other public events, and are willing to teach others.

Lundy points to the 62 percent sudden cardiac survival rate in Seattle, Washington, for the potential impact this program can have here. “Seattle boasts the highest survival rate of sudden cardiac arrest in the world. This is a great opportunity to join us in saving lives all across our community.”